Schuman Declaration to European Union: From Unification to Nationalism Resurgence

Supporters of the extreme-right Golden Dawn party hold flares as they chant the national anthem, during a rally over the crisis in Cyprus, outside the German embassy in Athens March 22, 2013. Cyprus was just hours away from a deal on Friday to raise billions of euros and unlock a bailout from the European Union that could avert financial meltdown and exit from the euro, its ruling party said. (Photo: Reuters)

After two World Wars, the Schuman Declaration sought to put an end to political tension and created the foundations for the European Union.

Fast-forward 63 years later and the growing hostility between EU members is threatening to unravel the unification and peace that the declaration originally created.

When French Foreign minister Robert Schuman forged the historic and unprecedented proposal, to unite Europe with a trade agreement, it essentially laid the foundations of the 27-member bloc we have today.

Born out of the rubble of two World Wars, on 9 May 1950, the agreement gave birth to the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community and an infant EU.

"World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it," said Schuman at signing of the declaration.

"Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity. The pooling of coal and steel production... will change the destinies of those regions which have long been devoted to the manufacture of munitions of war, of which they have been the most constant victims."

Laying the Foundation for the European Union

Dubbed the Inner Six, France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg agreed to pool coal and steel production, in order to prevent Germany from re-arming again and threatening Europe's hard-won peace.

Other European countries were also invited to sign the agreement.

The declaration also promoted rapid integration for Germany into the international community, only five years after World War II ended.

While over the years, accession negotiations have led to today's 27-member bloc, it is still in the process of enlargement, as more countries look to join the EU. It has also led to separate governments gradually harmonising national laws.

Police charge protesters during an anti-austerity demonstration in Madrid April 25, 2013. Members of a the "Stand up!" platform called on people to stage an "indefinite siege" around parliament with the objective of "liberating" it according to the platform's website. Over a thousand police reportedly called in to guard the area around the Spanish parliament as authorities feared violent groups would attempt to cause havoc during the demonstration. (Photo: Reuters)

The EU has a population of 500 million people but distrust within the 27-member bloc is growing exponentially.

German riot police stop left-wing protestors on the railway tracks during a demonstration against a right-wing rally in Frankfurt, May 1, 2013. (Photo: Reuters)

High unemployment, more people slipping into poverty and losing their homes has undoubtedly given rise to nationalism.

Last week, the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said Europe was under threat from a "resurgence of populism and nationalism."

"At a time when so many Europeans are faced with unemployment, uncertainty and growing inequality, a sort of 'European fatigue' has set in, coupled with a lack of understanding. Who does what? Who decides what? Who controls whom and what? And where are we heading? ... And, let us be clear, the indifference of many pro-Europeans is also a risk."

Led by Nigel Farage, the party continued its surge in popularity and declared that the election results meant that Ukip was now Britain's "third party".

Traditionally, the three incumbent UK political parties are Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

Battling on a Bailout

People hold banners as they march during a protest against government austerity measures in Barcelona April 28, 2013. The banner reads "Let's stop this anti-social budget. Together it's possible". (Photo: Reuters)